General Electric "Hi-Speed Calrod Moderne Automatic Iron," 1940

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Artifact Overview

When Edward Somers, an electrician, and his wife Mary of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, purchased this iron in May 1940, they chose one of General Electric's top-of-the-line models. The Moderne's curved form and smooth surface reflected Streamline aesthetic, an aspect of Art Deco design that emerged in the 1930s. This iron was attractive -- and, apparently, durable. The Somers family used it into the 1970s.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Electric iron

Date Made

1940

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2017.107.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Joseph H. Somers.

Material

Metal
Cardboard

Color

Silver (Color)
Black (Color)
Yellow (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 5.25 in (Iron)
Width: 4.75 in (Iron)
Length: 9.5 in (Iron)
Height: 5.75 in (Packaging)
Width: 5 in (Packaging)
Length: 10 in (Packaging)

Inscriptions

on top of iron: GENERAL ELECTRIC HI-SPEED CALROD MODERNE on bottom of iron, under handle: FOR ALTERNATING CURRENT ONLY / CAT. NO. 159F83 / WATTS 1000 VOLTS 115 / PATS [...] / GENERAL ELECTRIC CO. / BRIDGEPORT, CONN. MADE IN U.S.A. ONTARIO, CALIF. on front of box: GENERAL ELECTRIC / Hi Speed Calrod / MODERNE AUTOMATIC IRON / Cat. No. 159F83 / 115 VOLTS 3 1/2 LB 1000 WATTS / FOR ALTERNATING CURRENT ONLY / GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY / BRIDGEPORT, CONN. ONTARIO, CALIF. MADE IN U.S.A.
General Electric "Hi-Speed Calrod Moderne Automatic Iron," 1940